People again questioning whether elections will happen at all: Fakhrul

Recent violent incidents across the country have reignited public uncertainty over whether the next national election will take place at all, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said today (23 December).

"Over the past few months, and especially in the last few days, the incidents that have occurred have made people deeply anxious. People are once again questioning whether an election will actually be held," he said at a programme titled "Election Dialogue: Your Party, Voters' Questions", organised by The Daily Star at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

Raising concerns over electoral neutrality, Fakhrul reiterated BNP's demand for the restoration of a non-party caretaker government system, arguing that a credible election is impossible without it due to a deep-rooted culture of political mistrust.

The senior BNP leader warned that any delay in holding elections could create instability and open the door to conspiracies.

"We have always demanded elections. Many critics accuse the BNP of only seeking power and elections. But now it is evident that delays in the electoral process have created a situation that could disrupt the entire process," he said.

Speaking on the economy, he alleged that democratic and economic institutions have been destroyed, giving rise to an oligarchic system in which a small group, under state patronage, has looted national resources.

Acknowledging that inflation cannot be controlled overnight, he said consistent and sustained efforts are necessary.

"The BNP has a comprehensive economic plan and believes economic stability can be gradually restored within five years if the party comes to power," he added.